More common that lung, breast, colon or prostate cancers combined is skin cancer. More than 3.5 million Americans will be diagnosed with basal and squamous cell skin cancer this year.

Basal cell carcinomas have been linked to long term exposure to the UV, ultraviolet rays of the sun. Basal cell carcinomas are more common on the areas that tend to get more sun, head, face, neck and arms. A basal cell usually looks like a sore that does not heal and instead scabs and reopens. Basal cell carcinomas rarely spread beyond the area that they start at.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second type of skin cancer; it is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells developing in the squamous cells which make up most of the epidermis (top layer of skin.) More common in areas that exposed to the sun but are often also found in mucous membrane and genital areas.

Things to look for:

A patch of scaly skin that often times crusts and bleeds without ever really healing.

A raised growth with an indentation in the middle with occasional bleeding, often increasing in size.

Growths resembling warts which opens but never heals.

Scaly, rough and raised bumps.

A yearly Dermatologist checkup is a good idea for persons living in Fort Lauderdale who are exposed to the environmental stresses of a yearlong sunny summer season.

The ABCDE Rule

A Asymmetry not exactly the same size on either side

B Borders outer edges are uneven

C Color darker black or multi colors

D Diameter greater than 6mm

E Evolving changes in color, size and shape

These are the signs that will help you determine whether a visit to the Dermatologist is necessary. Continuing education and the use of effective professional grade sunblock is our best defense against skin cancer.

The best facials in Fort Lauderdale at Urban Retreat Spa will always include a sunblock discussion. We offer a wide variety of choices like Minus-Sol, Image Skincare and PCA Skin all make sunblock’s that are as effective as they are luxurious. These professional skincare lines all offer versions of sunblock which differ from the common over the counter synthetic SPF’s that often contain toxic ingredients, professional grade SPF’s come in moisturizing, non-greasy, oil free formulas. Choose from matte-finish, hydrating or even tinted versions. We also offer makeup Like Image Skincare I Conceal Flawless Foundation with a 30 SPF. So really there is a sunblock that is made just for you. Let one of our Estheticians guide you to which formula is best for you.